Help KS1-3 pupils take care of their teeth and understand the wider importance of dental health in relation to their overall wellbeing.
These lessons help pupils to understand the importance of dental health as part of their overall wellbeing. They explore how daily habits — like brushing, food choices, and regular dental check-ups — can help prevent problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Lydia Stober
PSHE Subject specialist
Learning about dental health is an essential part of a well-rounded PSHE education curriculum. And with tooth decay affecting almost 30% of 5-year-olds across England, it’s vital that pupils are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviors for maintaining oral health both now and in the future.
Our lessons focus on strategies and behaviours that pupils can implement independently in their own lives to promote good dental health. They will also help you to meet relevant areas from the statutory RSHE guidance around ‘healthy eating’ and ‘health and prevention’.
These lessons were developed with Professor Zoe Marshman (School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield) and Professor Nicola Innes (School of Dentistry, Cardiff University) as part of the Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research.
Why is teaching about dental health so important?
Poor dental health impacts young people’s ability to eat and speak, and can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss and, as a result, missed school days.
Tooth decay rates in childhood are the strongest predictors of tooth decay in adulthood so its essential children learn how to prevent tooth decay for their benefit longer term
Read our latest blog to learn more about the vital role schools can play in addressing this issue.
Lesson summary
Learning objective & outcomes
Programme of Study
DfE statutory guidance
Key stage 1
Looking after our teeth
To learn about looking after our teeth.
Pupils will be able to:
identify which foods and drinks have higher and lower amounts of sugar in them
explain the steps for brushing teeth
identify who can help with looking after teeth
Healthy lifestyles
H2. about foods that support good health and the risks of eating too much sugar
H17. about dental care and visiting the dentist, how to brush teeth correctly; food and drink that support dental health
Healthy eating
the characteristics of a poor diet and risks associated with unhealthy eating (including, for example, obesity and tooth decay) and other behaviours (e.g. the impact of alcohol on diet or health).
Health and prevention
about dental health and the benefits of good oral hygiene and dental flossing, including regular check-ups at the dentist.
Key stage 2
Exploring dental health
To learn how to maintain dental health.
Pupils will be able to:
explain the importance of having a brushing routine
identify everyday actions that can affect dental health
describe how and why different actions can affect dental health and who can help
Healthy lifestyles
H11. how to maintain good oral hygiene (including correct brushing and flossing); why regular visits to the dentist are essential; the impact of lifestyle choices on dental care (e.g. sugar consumption/acidic drinks such as fruit juices, smoothies and fruit teas; the effects of smoking)
Learning objective & outcomes
Programme of Study
DfE statutory guidance
Key stage 3
Maintaining dental health
To learn about dental health, including the importance of oral hygiene and how to access NHS services.
Students will be able to:
describe oral hygiene practices to maintain dental health
explain the impact of diet and substance use on dental health
compare dentistry for health and cosmetic purposes
explain how to access NHS dental services and the importance of having regular check-ups
Healthy lifestyles
H19. the importance of taking increased responsibility for their own physical health including dental check-ups, sun safety and self examination (especially testicular self-examination in late KS3); the purpose of vaccinations offered during adolescence for individuals and society
H21. how to access health services when appropriate
Healthy eating
how to maintain healthy eating and the links between a poor diet and health risks, including tooth decay and cancer.
Health and prevention
about dental health and the benefits of good oral hygiene and dental flossing, including healthy eating and regular check-ups at the dentist.
